Washington Informer

Three-and-a-half months after Sherman Hemsley's death from lung cancer, an El Paso, Texas court has finally put an end to the bickering over his estate – and body.

Because of uncertainty over who was his rightful beneficiary, "The Jeffersons" star's body was being kept on ice at an El Paso funeral home since his passing in August. Six weeks before prior to Hemsley's death, a will had been drafted, but burial plans were halted after Richard Thornton, a man claiming to be the actor's half-brother, challenged its validity.

"My client is planning on a military funeral for Mr. Hemsley at Fort Bliss National Cemetery here in El Paso," said attorney Alexander Neill. "Mr. Hemsley previously served in the United States Air Force and thus, is eligible for a military funeral. At the present, we are waiting for all of the final orders to be entered by the Court so the funeral plans can proceed."

Estate records show that the value of Hemsley's estate was $50,000.

A recently-released report indicates that 13 deaths have been linked to the consumption of energy drinks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report also links the popular drinks -- that include "Monster Energy," which contains 240 milligrams of caffeine -- to heart attacks, convulsions and in one case, a spontaneous abortion.

The report, which spans a three-year period was released last week to The New York Times. It centers on 90 filings with the federally-operated FDA, noting at least five deaths, including that of a 14-year-old Hagerstown, Md. girl, linked to consumption of the Monster beverage. The girl reportedly consumed two cans of the drink, back-to-back, and according to an autopsy, she died of cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity, impeding her heart's ability to pump blood.

However, another similar drink, "Five-hour Energy," which voluntarily submitted its incident reports to the FDA in compliance with a 2008 regulation, has noted no deaths related to the two-ounce "shot."

"Monster Energy," which is sold in 24-ounce cans, is much larger in size than the 5-hour Energy's two-ounce bottles.

The Times has also reported that, in recent weeks, the FDA confirmed or disclosed 18 filings involving fatalities and more than 150 others involving injuries that mentioned one of four top-selling energy drinks — Red Bull, Monster Energy, Rockstar and 5-hour Energy.

Source: The New York Times

Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge has been elected by the influential Congressional Black Caucus to lead its 113th Congress.

Fudge, who was selected on Nov. 14, will hold the post for two years, setting the political agenda for more than 40 black U.S. House of Representatives members. She will also serve as a national spokeswoman on issues affecting African Americans.

"Marcia Fudge is an exceptional leader," said Chairman Emanuel Cleaver. "She has served her constituents and the state of Ohio with unmatched fervor and has been an outspoken member of the CBC in supporting policies that protect the most vulnerable in our country. With the challenges facing our nation, the Congressional Black Caucus must continue pushing to ensure every American has equal opportunity to achieve their version of the American dream. Rep. Fudge will see to it that the Congressional Black Caucus remains the most vocal when equal opportunity and justice is under attack."

Fudge, who was unanimously elected, expressed her gratitude.

"I am honored and humbled to serve as the next Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and congratulate all other officers elected," she said. "As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we have been deemed the "Conscience of the Congress" for a reason. We share a commitment to champion the issues of millions of Americans who yearn for a better future. We remain concerned about unemployment, particularly the high rate of unemployment among African Americans."

The Caucus also unanimously elected G.K. Butterfield (NC) to serve as First Vice Chair, Yvette Clarke (NY) as Second Vice Chair, Rep. André Carson (IN) as Secretary and Rep. Karen Bass (CA) as Whip.

The weekend of Nov 9-10 was a particularly special one for the R&B world.

To celebrate the taping of the 25th annual Soul Train Music Awards, celebrities converged on Las Vegas for a 3-day weekend including a concert, a comedy show and a golf tournament.

Cedric the Entertainer hosted the Awards, George Wallace was honored by fellow comics including Sherri Shepherd, Earthquake, George Wilbon, Chris Spencer and Gary Owen at the All-Star Comedy show and comedian Bill Bellamy, along with Julius "Dr. J" Erving hosted the Celebrity Golf tournament. Newly signed Atlantic Recording artists TGT (Tyrese Ginuwine Tank) made their official debut as part of the weekend's Centric Soul Weekend Live in Concert Event, which also featured crooner Miguel and New Edition, this year's recipients of the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year's presenters and hosts included Tamar Braxton and Tony Rock who did red-carpet and pre-show duties and Keri Hilson, Jody Watley, Anthony Mackie, Bill Bellamy, Flavor Flav, Michael Baisden, Tameka "Tiny"Cottle. Performers included the brand new as well as the legendary with Gladys Knight, Elle Leah Labelle, Varner, Anthony Hamilton, Raphael Saadiq (who is also the show's musical director) Fantasia, John Legend and 2 Chianz.

The show will be broadcast simultaneously on BET and Centric at 9p.m,  Sunday, Nov. 25.

Source: Black America Web

Metropolitan A.M.E. hosts "Stop the Pipeline to Prison: Create Education Opportunities, Jobs and Wealth" on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Moderated by Harvard University Professor Charles Ogletree, this forum features a panel of experts who will address the over-representation of minorities in the prison system.

The forum is co-sponsored through the Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation, the Bethel Literary Historical Society, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. A reception will immediately follow the forum. Dr. Ogletree will also address congregants at both services on Sunday, Nov. 18.

Metropolitan A.M.E. Church is located at 1518 M Street in Northwest. Free [validated at the church] parking is provided at 1615 M Street on weeknights and Saturdays; free parking is available directly in front of the National Education Association on Sundays. By Metro, take the Farragut North [Red Line] or the McPherson Square [Blue/Orange Lines]. For more information visit http://www.metropolitanamec.org%20or call the church office at 202-331-1426.

For more information, contact: Ruby Gourdine, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Greg Johnson, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A Salute to President Barack Obama

I want to be one of the first to congratulate President Barack Obama for his overwhelming victory over Republican challenger Mitt Romney. At first, I was a little nervous seeing all of those states turning red at the beginning of election night, but then the states started turning blue and oh boy, what a night! It was just magical. For those who worked so hard to get the president re-elected, the night must have been wonderful.

I pray for the safety of the president and his family. There are those who don't feel that the democratic process has worked, because it didn't work the way they wanted. President Obama is the president for all the people as the vote shows, overwhelmingly electoral and beating Romney in the popular vote. The president has worked very hard to bring America back from near collapse, and he will continue to do what is right for this country.

President Obama is a great American, and I know he will leave a lasting legacy for all Americans to look upon with a sense of pride and admiration. My prayers are with you, Mr. President, and may God bless you always.

Wilma B. Grant

Washington, D.C.

President Obama Wins Four More Years!

If anyone ever doubted that Barack Hussein Obama was pre-ordained to be president of the United States for four more years, one has only to look at the outcome of last Tuesday's election results.

The people have spoken. Even though the popular vote was nearly the same for both candidates, Mr. Obama rose triumphantly to the top of the electoral vote.

Nevertheless, the people have spoken. This country, with its heads-in-the clouds millionaires and its corporate greed and dishonesty, needs a president whose feet are on the ground, and one who can relate to the common man.

Citizens who are struggling to survive in this country see hope in this man whose brown skin and family values mirror their own.

Obviously, his destined achievements could not be completed in one term, and might not be completed in two, but at least we have given him a chance to continue to push for what is right. That's what the people want, and the people have spoken.

Rodney Austin

Washington, D.C.

Washington Nationals field manager Davey Johnson has been named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

In 2012, Johnson's first full season as Nationals skipper, he led Washington to an MLB-leading 98 wins, an NL East title and DC?s first postseason berth in 79 years. The Nationals either led the NL East or shared its top spot for all but 10 days this season, and by season?s end, owned the best run differential (+137) in MLB.

Along the way, the 69 year-old Johnson managed one of baseball?s top rotations (NL-best 3.40 rotation ERA) which employed only eight starting pitchers, five of which started at least 27 games. His lineups produced 194 home runs (second in NL) to establish both franchise (1969-2012) and DC baseball (1901-71, 2005-12) single-season marks. Meanwhile, the Nationals' 51 unearned runs allowed tied for the third-fewest in the NL (as recently as 2010, Washington ranked 29th in MLB allowing 84 unearned runs).

"Davey Johnson's legacy was secure well before he became our manager in 2011, but his performance this season has to rate among his best work? said Mike Rizzo, Nationals executive vice president of Baseball Operations and general manager. "He showed this club how to win despite being engaged in a pennant race for the first time. And he accomplished this with so many young players. It is no coincidence that under Davey's watch, we witnessed breakout seasons from Ian Desmond, Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Ross Detwiler. I would like to offer my deepest congratulations and thanks to Davey and his family on behalf of the Lerner Family and our entire organization."

Since assuming the Nationals? managerial helm on June 27, 2011, Johnson?s Nationals are 138-107 (.563). In that same time span, only the Braves (139) have won more games among NL entries.

The BBWAA Manager of the Year award is the second of Johnson?s career. He won the AL version of the award in 1997 for his work with the Orioles, who posted the Junior Circuit?s top record (98-64, .605) that summer.

The 15-year duration between Johnson?s citations is the largest in the history of the BBWAA?s Manager of the Year Award, which was founded in 1983. Before tonight, Jim Leyland held the previous mark, as he went 14 seasons between earning his second (92 with Pittsburgh) and third (06 with Detroit) career managerial citations.

Johnson has authored six division titles ('12 Nationals, '97 Orioles, '95 Reds, '94 Reds, '88 Mets, '86 Mets), one pennant ('86 Mets) and one World Championship (86 Mets) during his stellar managerial career.

Also in 2012, Johnson registered his seventh 90-win campaign and joined Billy Martin (Twins, Tigers, Yankees, Athletics) as the game's lone skippers to take four different teams to the postseason.

Among those to manage 1000 or more games, Johnson's career winning percentage (1286-995, .564) ranks second among living managers behind his former skipper, Earl Weaver (.583).

Just three days ago (Sat, Nov. 10), the Nationals announced that Johnson will return in 2013 for his final managerial campaign before shifting to a consultant position with the Nationals in 2014.